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Chemistry and Biochemistry Seminars

These seminars are capstone courses for students who are interested in current trends in chemistry, biochemistry or cell biology. The courses begin with a focus on background information in one or two selected topics and then move on to individual student investigations in these areas. Students read current scientific literature and take turns, along with faculty, presenting papers to the group. The courses are designed to allow students to enhance and demonstrate their skills in analyzing and presenting scientific concepts.

In Fall 2008, the Chemistry Seminar topic was transition metal complexes. Complexes containing transition metals are found in organic, inorganic and biological chemistry. Many of these compounds act as catalysts for synthesis reactions. They are also present in enzymes important in biochemical reactions. Some of the scientific papers discussed this semester include: